Chemical incident in Northallerton.

North Yorkshire Police and Fire and Rescue were called at 6:15 this morning to an incident at 3M on the Standard Way Industrial Estate in Northallerton.

Fumes containing a mild irritant have leaked from the premises following a reaction between some of the chemicals used in processes carried out by the business.

Police and fire officers would like to stress that while there is no risk of harm to the public, anyone living in the vicinity of the industrial estate should remain indoors and keep their windows closed as a precaution.

There is a 400 meter cordon around the building and the A167 - the Northallerton to Darlington Road - was closed. However, the road is due to reopen shortly.

Police would like to stress the importance of keeping the traffic flow moving and will police will patrol the A167 to ensure no motorists or members of the public stop in the area of the industrial estate.

The chemical incident is under control and we expect to have the industrial estate reopened this afternoon.